Published January 17, 2014

Julie de Azevedo Hanks, of Salt Lake City, Utah—a graduate student in the University
of Louisiana at Monroe’s online Ph.D. marriage and family therapy program—was recently
named the #2 Social HealthMaker for mental health on the web by “Sharecare.”

“A designation like this helps to further expand my online presence so I can reach
and inspire more people,” said Hanks.

“It also boosts credibility to be recognized by a trusted brand like Sharecare. To
be in a list with world renowned experts is humbling. This shows one of the amazing
benefits of technology and social media in particular; one person can have a global
voice and make a difference for good.”

Hanks

According to their website, Sharecare—created by Jeff Arnold and Dr. Mehmet Oz, with
founding partners Oprah Winfrey, Sony Pictures Television, and Discovery Communications—is
the leading online health and wellness engagement platform providing millions of consumers
with a personal, results-oriented experience by connecting them to the most qualified
health resources and programs they need to improve their health.

Sharecare says the top Social HealthMakers are “here to help through their blogs and
websites, sharing valuable tips and resources for managing mental illness.”

Hanks specializes in women’s mental health, couples counseling, parenting and family
relations, eating disorders and body image, depression, and anxiety, among many others.

“I have several professional endeavors right now,” she said.

“I own and serve as Executive Director of Wasatch Family Therapy—with three locations
in Utah. I'm a performing songwriter, a local and national media contributor, published
author [of] ‘The Burnout Cure: An Emotional Survival Guide for Overwhelmed Women,’
a private practice business consultant and blogger, a mental health and relationship
blogger, and a social media enthusiast. My husband and I will celebrate 25 years of
marriage this year and we have four children.”

Hanks understands that her personal success can help others realize their own ambitions.

When asked what advice she would give to students just starting their educational
and professional careers, Hanks said, “I used to think that I had to make ‘either/or’
decisions in life. Should I become a musician or a therapist? Should I have a family
or a rich professional life? My advice is to find a way to weave your passions together.”

“Seek out people who are doing what you want to be doing and learn from them. Ask
questions and look for intangible qualities that they have that have contributed to
their success,” Hanks continued.

“Be willing to work toward something meaningful for a long time. Times goes by anyway.
You might as well have worked toward achieving your dreams while time is marching
on. The success that I am enjoying now is the culmination of 25 years of small and
consistent efforts in several different areas.”

Keeney

In her most recent endeavor, Hanks has found that her time at ULM has been both rewarding
and challenging.

She said, “So far, my greatest memory is the first class I took from Dr. Bradford
Keeney, the founder of my Ph.D. program. It was totally disorienting at first! I've
since learned that embracing absurdity, silliness, and unexpected experiences is a
big part of what makes Brad a brilliant teacher and a gifted healer.”

Julie Hanks graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in psychology and a
Master of Social Work. She anticipates graduating from ULM in spring 2015.